Thanks to Sue and Pete Kulp for setting up and running the auction. It was a blast! From the off site bidding to the live, on site action, it was all about our PEP. Sharon Marshall and Rocky Knipfer dueling it out for the Equine Photo Session was way too funny! John Letham, aboard his horse Chocolate Time, calling out his bids to a person on the ground, was a sight to behold. The general cheering, jeering and mayhem spurred the auction into high gear. Sue Kulp's count-down of the final minute and the dueling bidders brought lots of laughter to spectators.

What made this show even more special was Thao Barne's "Team Thunderhorse" group. They were raising money for the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" and had sold raffle tickets, at many other horse shows, for a chance at a couple of lovely Appaloosa horses that were donated to them. We got together because our show was a benefit for Making Memories and they wanted to announce the winners of the Appaloosas at an Appaloosa show. Being a breast cancer benefit show made it more fitting. An interesting bit about Thao: she was 5 days out of breast cancer surgery! This gal and her group were amazing. They set up the hospitality booth and did so many little tasks that usually eat our time. They were funny, energetic and kept the mood so upbeat, if not a little crazy. (Big Grin)

After Sharon Marshall was finished showing, she and her mom, Joan Marshall, assisted us in the show office for the rest of the day. (Except when Sharon was dueling with Rocky for the photo session!) Gerry Lukacik, our amazing announcer, kept running over and placing bids during the tack breaks. Youth members, Kayte Beckelheimer and Brenna Brawner, gave us much needed help being ring stewards and working the gate. Exhibitors were going into classes that normally they wouldn't show in, just to help out friends. Thank you to EVERYONE for making this such a memorable and wonderful benefit show.

This silent auction raised a total of $456.00. When added to the $2 per horse donation from Sooner, the total money raised was $530.00 for
Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.